Automated security gates are basically driveway gates that activate via automatic gate openers. At apartment complexes and residential properties, electric security gates function as a safety feature that protects vehicles and occupants from unwanted intrusions. Electric gates are also often used at government buildings and power facilities to keep out unauthorized personnel.
There are three main types of automatic gates, and their benefits range from protection and safety to increased privacy and property value.
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- The Three Main Types of Automated Security Gates
- Brands & Industry Updates
- Benefits of Automated Security Gates
- Security Gate Uses
The Three Main Types of Automated Security Gates
Automatic gates generally come in three basic types — the swing gate, the slide gate and the tilt security gate. Each gate type opens and shuts in its own unique way and is suited for a certain type of property.
1. Swing Gates
A swing gate is an open/close entryway consisting of one or two gates that swing horizontally inward to allow the passage of vehicles. On single-gate assemblies, the gate opens at one end and pulls inward and aside at the other. On double-gate assemblies, the two gates part at the middle and pull inward and aside. When fully open, the gate/s run parallel along each side of the driveway. You’ll often find this gate type on both public and private properties.
Swing gates work best along flat driveways with sufficient horizontal leeway. If the property is situated on an even plane with no irregularities or obstructions within 10 or 20 feet of the entry line, a swing gate would be a suitable option. The main benefit of this automated security gate option is the way the doors align parallel to the driveway. When open, swing gates consume the least amount of lateral space in relation to the road itself.
Swing gates do not work well for properties where the driveway is situated along dips, slopes or inclines. Additionally, if the driveway curves immediately upward within a few feet of the entryway, the gate will not have sufficient space to open and align to the side of the driveway. A swing gateway could also be awkward if the entryway precedes an abrupt slope in the driveway — the open gates would have a significant gap between the bottom of the gate and the ground.
2. Slide Gates
A slide gate is an open/close entryway consisting of one or two gates that slide horizontally aside to allow the passage of vehicles. On single-gate assemblies, the gate opens at one end and slides left or right until it has cleared from the driveway. On double-gate assemblies, the two gates part at the middle and slide to their respective ends until the driveway has cleared for traffic. When fully open, the gates run perpendicular to the driveway. Gates of this type are seen on both public and private properties.
Slide gates work best along flat driveways with sufficient peripheral leeway. If the property is situated on a flat, wide plane with no hills or obstructions to either side of the entry line for at least 10 feet, a slide gate would be a suitable option. One of the best features of slide gates is the way that they pull aside from the entrance when fully open. They clear the driveway completely, creating a big access area.
Slide gates are not ideal for properties where the driveway is narrowly slotted between abrupt slopes or inclines. If the entryway is situated next to a hill on one side, you would need to have a one-gate assembly that slides open to the side opposite of the hill, otherwise you would need to use a swing gate. Automatic sliding gates can also seem awkward along driveways surrounded at both ends by bodies of water. If the entryway is situated on a bridge above a pond, a slide gate would not be a suitable option.
3. Tilt Gates
A tilt gate is an open/close entryway that raises vertically to allow the passage of vehicles. On single-gate assemblies, the gate pulls up and aside to one end of the entrance. On double-gate assemblies, the two gates part at the middle and pull up and aside to their respective ends of the entrance. When fully open, the gate sits at a 90-degree angle to the side of the driveway. Gates of this type are most common at the entrances of wide, open parking lots for high-security buildings.
Tilt gates work best along driveways with sufficient overhead space. If the entryway is clear of trees, overhanging lights or overhead structures, a tilt gate could be a suitable option. The best quality of tilt gates is the way they open upward from the entrance and consume the least amount of horizontal space when fully open.
Tilt gates do not work along driveways where overgrowth or overarching structures inhibit the placement of vertical-rising components. If the entryway is situated within a building or a roofed parking lot, a tilt gate wouldn’t be suitable unless the roof is high enough to allow the gates to open upright.
Brands & Industry Updates
The brands that specialize in automatic gate openers have been enhancing their products for improved ease of use. These days, the activation of electric security gates is more convenient than ever thanks to innovations from the following brands:
LiftMaster®
From one of the most trusted brands in the gateway business comes the LiftMaster Commercial Gate Operator, which comes equipped with battery backup and anti-interference technology for smooth, automated gate-activation for all authorized personnel. LiftMaster operators are often used on the properties of government buildings and power facilities. More recently, LiftMaster has also been put to use at apartment complexes and gated communities.
Linear
The latest in a line of wireless gate activators is the Model MCT-3 3-Channel Visor Transmitter, which is equipped with three buttons, one that works on gates, another that works on garage doors and a third that can access an additional receiver. Linear also offers one-button transmitters, keychain transmitters and wireless keypads.
Benefits of Automated Security Gates
Why should homeowners and businesses consider adding security gates to their properties? There are many reasons to install an automated gate at your entryway, from enhanced security and privacy to increased value and visual appeal. Home and building owners are choosing security gates primarily for the following reasons:
1. Increased Property Value
With a security gate at the entrance of your home or building, the value of the property is increased due to the enhanced safety. To those looking to purchase the property, the presence of a security gate will make the property seem like a more sound investment.
For anyone looking for space to rent, a gated building would seem like one of the safest options. The numerous benefits that come with a security gate all add up to an increase in property value.
2. Enhanced Curb Appeal
A security gate can be an attractive addition to any property. To onlookers, the design of the gate will generally enhance the curb appeal of the estate or building in question. Gated entrances often have a regal quality that people associate with wealth and prestige.
As such, a security gate can make your property seem of high value, whether you live in a mansion or a modest home. With various designs on the market, there are numerous gates that could complement the exterior of your property.
3. Improved Security
For most property owners, the main benefit of security gates is the security factor. When the entryway to your house or building is guarded with an automatic gate, you have the peace of mind of knowing that no car or person can wander onto your property without authorization.
On a residential property, unwanted visitors are kept at a safe distance from your home and yard. On the grounds of a high-security place of business, a security gate will likely keep out trespassers. Overall, a security gate offers far greater safety than just a locked front door.
4. Improved Safety for Children and Pets
On a residential property, a security gate makes outdoor areas safer for children and pets. With a security gate in place, your children or pets are less likely to wander off, and the gates can also help prevent stray animals from coming onto the property. You can have peace of mind as you let your kids, or pets, roam free in the yard.
5. Increased Privacy
A gate puts distance between a house and the streets outside. In a residential neighborhood, a security gate can give your house an increased level of privacy. When seated in the comfort of your living room, for instance, you don’t have to worry as much about passersby seeing in your windows. The gate will likely block your windows from their view.
5. Better Insurance Premiums
With the enhanced protection of a gated entrance, your property will look safer in the eyes of insurance companies. As such, your property will seem like less of an insurance risk. That means a security gate could help you secure lower premiums, depending on your insurance company.
Security Gate Uses
For many years, entry gates have been a fixture on premises of high-security buildings. These days, even apartment complexes, condominiums and private communities have automatic gates that protect the entryway. The following examples of where security gates are used range from common to arbitrary:
1. Homes
Security gates are good for residential properties that have enough entryway space to accommodate a gate assembly. In communities where homes are spread apart from one another, the driveways and yards are generally spacious enough to accommodate gated entrances. A security gate is also a wise addition to any remotely-situated property.
Learn More About Residential Automated Security Gates
2. Gated Communities
Security gates are one of the defining features of gated communities where middle and upper-class families reside to escape the malaise of the world outside. Inside a gated community, parents can allow their children and dogs to play without worry — everyone is acquainted with one another, and random people can’t just wander in.
3. Business Buildings
The parking lots of business buildings are often sealed off with security gates. This makes it easier to protect the vehicles of building employees and prevent unauthorized use of the parking spaces. Each person who works at the gated building is issued a card that authorizes their entrance through the gate as well as guaranteed parking in an assigned spot.
Learn More About Commercial Automated Security Gates
4. Airports
Security gates are one of the many safety features at airports. They help prevent unauthorized vehicles and aircraft from accessing restricted areas. They also provide a way for airport visitors to know where they can and cannot go.
Additionally, at larger airports, in particular, security gates provide a point where license plates can be tracked and recorded. If a crime is committed inside the airport terminal or on one of the aircraft, licensing info can be accessed if necessary to aid in the identification of suspects.
5. Power/Energy Facilities
At power facilities, security is vital. You simply cannot have unauthorized personnel wandering onto the premises of a facility that handles energy. That is why security gates are seen at the entrances of all such establishments. The gate prevents people from coming onto the property to loiter and potentially put themselves, and others, in harm’s way. Security gates can also help to deter would-be criminals.
6. Government Facilities
Government buildings require top security. As such, you are unlikely to find a government building that lacks a gate before the parking lot. Security gates can help deter trespassers, criminals and others from entering the property unauthorized. This, of course, keeps government buildings as well as government workers safer.
7. Apartment Complexes
A lot of apartment complexes are also equipped with security gates. At some of the higher-end complexes, the presence of a security gate is one of the main attractions to new tenants. With the security gate in place, tenants feel safer in the comfort of their units. Those vehicles also have peace of mind that their vehicles are much less likely to stolen from the gated parking lots.
8. High-Traffic Businesses
At places of business that draw heavy amounts of foot traffic, security gates allow the building owners to manage and monetize the flow of traffic in and off the premises. In addition to helping the business cover its overhead, the security gate helps reserve parking space for those who pay to enter. The gate can also prevent car thefts.
Buy Security Gates and Transmitters From Continental Door
For any house or building in which you have heavily invested your earnings, you owe it to yourself to arm that property with the utmost protection. With an automatic security gate, only you, your family, friends and authorized guests will be able to enter the property.
At Continental Door, we sell a range of commercial and residential security gates, as well as sectional doors, operator coiling doors, fire doors and products from brands like Clopay®, Linear and LiftMaster.
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Contact us to learn more about our security gate products or to request a free estimate.
- Phone: 509.921.2260
- Showroom location: 12718 East Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216
- Showroom hours: Monday – Friday: 7am-4pm & Saturday: 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm
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Updated: 05/22/2019
